Photos Of Animals Experiencing Everyday Things For The Very First Time

How did you feel the first time you experienced a snowstorm or took a dip in the pool? Amplify your reaction tenfold, and you'll see just how surprised, awe-struck, and flabbergasted animals become when they experience a new moment in life. Your toddler taking their first steps is nothing compared to these curious furry friends who quickly discovered that there was so much more to the world than they knew. Housepets, prepare for your minds to be blown!

1. Squirrel vs. bird feeder

This YouTuber took his passion for crafting to the extreme by making a squirrel-proof bird feeder. Its elaborate layout appears closer to a game show obstacle course than a simple backyard bird feeder. No squirrel has come across this kind of obstacle course before, and this guy tried his best! Which squirrel will reign victorious and win the food prize? Of course, no squirrels were harmed!

2. Three new sheriffs in town...

It's always best to take your time when adding a new pet to your household, but there weren't enough minutes in the world to prepare this canine for her new roommates! With these squirmy little kittens eagerly approaching, it's no wonder this spooked dog ran for cover.

3. This ferret's first snowfall

Ferrets are quick, energetic creatures, and apparently, that doesn't change when they're in the snow! If given the opportunity, they'll jump and dive into it. Before you know it, your pet ferret might act out a scene from Jaws, staying hidden until popping out when least expected.

4. Who is this curious creature?

Two BBC filmmakers were able to document the daily goings-on of The Lion King's best supporting character, Timon the meerkat, and what they captured didn't disappoint. This meerkat gang became intensely interested in the looming humans and their devices. A human teaching a meerkat how to use a camera sounds like the perfect movie pitch for Disney+.

5. The suspicious marsupial

A kangaroo can be a shocking sight for just about anyone. Those jumping creatures can be quite intimidating in general, especially to little critters! They are wild animals, after all. When this family dog spotted this unusual creature from a distance, we can't blame him for wanting to keep his distance!

6. An elephant's icy bath

Have you ever wondered how an elephant would react to its first winter wonderland? From the snowfall to the dip in the ice-cold water, it would certainly be a big day for those guys. Just look at this not-so-little elephant, who seems to prefer the icy depths to his normal watering hole.

7. A jaguar faces her fear

Check out this baby jaguar enjoying her first time in the pool! Her name's Maya, and her mobility wasn't too great before she braved the deep end. Her vet-prescribed hydrotherapy really did the trick! The practice not only helped her regain her stealth abilities, but it helped her face her fear of water!

8. The tiny invader

Imagine, for a moment, the point of view of a cat. They're very attuned to change, so when they approach a new object with an unfamiliar scent, they have to do some investigating. This particular object may just be a baby bouncer, but the creature lying inside is incredibly new to the feline.

9. A cub's first snow day

A snowy day has many fun activities to offer, from snowman-building to snowball fights. This polar bear cub, however, chose to ignore these normal activities in favor of climbing over a frosty log. This may sound like a strange activity, but we're not complaining. Have you seen how cute he is?!

10. A mysterious spinning object

At last, the new ceiling fan has been installed! When these feline friends first glimpsed the new object, their reactions were pretty expressive. After all, this huge, dangerous-looking object is spinning wildly over their heads. Can you blame them for looking a little awe-struck?!

11. He's too good for the subway

Dalmatians don't stay small forever. It's why Cruella De Vil wanted to steal them when they were puppies! How could she lug around 100 full-sized dogs? This city resident realized their mistake when their black-and-white dog needed a helping hand on a simple train ride.

12. Pigs in paradise

A whole horde of little pigs have waited for this day. Finally unleashed upon the bright green grass, their pink snouts will undoubtedly get muddy as they push into the ground. There's just something so adorable about little pigs exploring the farm for the first time!

13. Climbing 101

Animal parents teaching their young life skills is just so sweet! Whoever snapped a photo of this climbing lesson was definitely in the right place at the right time. But be warned, it's better to watch from afar if you spot a similar moment. Mama bears don't usually take kindly to lurking strangers!

14. Finally finding her forever home

This rescue dog has been taking advantage of her new personal belongings, which include a water dish, toys, and even a warm bed. Maybe her mouth is simply being squished by the bedding, but there seems to be a sly smile growing on the older pup's face. Or maybe she's just delighted to see you!

15. Leaving the nest

Before young birds can soar, they have to practice flying. In nature, it's a common sight for young birds to jump out of their nests and have their mother collect them on the ground. Leaving the nest for the first time is a momentous occasion, and this one was caught on camera!

16. Baby's first lime

Don't try and see if your pet will like something sour. Would you enjoy tasting a random lemon or lime, especially when there's no tequila involved?! Check out this pup's first and last time tasting a sour, citrusy fruit. Don't worry, the water dish is nearby.

17. Intrepid fridge explorer

If you turn your back before the fridge door closes, a wandering pet might find its way inside. Don't worry; you'll no doubt hear the muffled meows! During the summer, your feline friend might even purposely enjoy getting stuck inside, all so they can cool off. This feline, however, looks a little freaked out about her new surroundings!

18. The most delicious kabob

A rabbit loves carrots, right? Well, they apparently love other foods, too. Take a look at this fruit kabob that an owner has made for their pet. From the looks of it, the bunny will be searching for even more kabobs sometime soon. It may also need a bath in order to clean its chin!

19. Wow!

Yeah, we’d know a newbie driver anywhere! Everyone’s first time behind the wheel is equal parts exhilarating and terrifying, if this little guy’s face is any indication. Are his tiny corgi legs even touching the pedals?!

20. Buckle up, pup

Rule #1 of riding in the passenger seat: buckle up! Seat belts are essential if you want to protect precious cargo, and it doesn’t get more precious than this adorable little puppy. Just don’t expect him to be in charge of the radio — his little paws can’t reach!

21. His first rollercoaster ride

If you think about it, cars are a little like rollercoasters for dogs. After all, they go at high speeds, take unexpected twists and turns, and often end with you screaming your heart out (if you try to merge during rush hour, at least). We're just glad this dog is having a good time!

22. Beep beep!

Someone remind us to stay out of this guy's lane! He can get a little honk happy if something doesn't go his way on the road. Maybe he needs to learn how to contain his road rage... and his excitement every time he sees a squirrel.

23. Pup holder

Every dog owner must have a pup holder (sorry) in their car, and this little guy clearly settled into his quite nicely. Being wedged into the car door handle doesn't look very comfortable, but he's making it work!

24. Hot dog!

Your ride pulls up and this hotdog is your driver — what would you do? Small stature aside, this dog looks far more confident than some other drivers we've seen on the road. We'd definitely trust him with our lives... just don't put your feet up on the dashboard, he hates that.

25. Huge smile

What is it about high-speed gusts of wind that dogs love so much? This dog took her prime seat in the bed of the truck as an opportunity to air out her pearly whites. Either that, or she just really, really loves going on car rides.

26. 'Sup!

When this guy waves to you on the road, you have no choice but to wave back. After all, have you ever seen such a cool dog?! With his relaxed stance and sunglasses, we doubt we'll ever be as radical as this pup.

27. Opening the sun roof

No, this driver doesn't have a beautiful head of curly golden hair, but he does have a beautiful dog on his head! That sun roof clearly came in handy when it came time for this dog's first car ride. With the wind in his face, he's never looked so happy!

28. A little too excited

This puppy was so excited about his car ride that he somehow wiggled his way through the steering wheel! It's a good thing the car wasn't in motion when that happened, otherwise he'd be in for some real twists and turns. Can someone get him out of there, please?

29. Ready to go

This scruffy guy is ready to take to the streets... if only his feet touched the pedals. He won't be careening through the city anytime soon, but hey, let him dream! Judging by the determined look on his face, he already has the DMV's driving manual memorized word for word.

30. Surprise!

We bet you weren't expecting to find this stowaway underneath your passenger seat! Cracker crumbs, fast food wrappers, stray ketchup packets, sure, but not your mischievous puppy. Judging by his smile, he's as happy to see you as you are to see him.

31. Car seats for pups

Just like kids, some dogs are difficult to control... especially in a moving vehicle. This dog was probably all snuggled up when the car made an unexpectedly sharp turn. Before he knew it, he was mooning the whole neighborhood!

32. Living on the edge

We know seatbelts are important, but do they have to be so darn restrictive? This free-spirited pup clearly isn't used to being stuck in the same place for very long. Sorry, buddy, it's for your own safety! You'll be frolicking around the park soon enough!

33. Her happy place

Cars aren't the most comfortable places to take a nap, but this little gal clearly isn't having any problems. You could endure an hour of traffic and hectic driving, and she wouldn't wake up once. Cars are her happy place!

34. Cheez-It bandit

Well, we know who's in charge of the snacks on this road trip! Let's hope we come across a convenience store soon, because at this rate, we'll be out of food before we know it. Save some for us, will ya?

35. Not so ready to go

Unlike some of the other dogs on this list, this little guy would much rather snooze in the driver's lap than take the wheel himself. After all, driving can get complicated, and who wouldn't want a chauffeur to do all the heavy lifting?

36. Side eye

Hey, don't give us that look! It's not our fault we're lost. You're the one who suggested the super-secret hidden shortcut! If you don't want to ask for directions, then we will.

37. Just popping in

Now this would be an unexpected sight in the rearview mirror! Don't worry, though, this dog just popped in to say hello — and to ask if you wouldn't mind turning up the volume on the radio.

38. What are you lookin' at?

Sitting in the backseat is supposed to be relaxing... unless you're this dog, of course. The only thing this guy likes more than driving is sticking his head out of the window at high speeds. Talk about an eye-popping good time!

39. The outside world

This puffy guy looks like he's seeing the outside world for the very first time! The wondrous expression on his face pretty much says it all. Looks like there will be many more car rides in his future.

40. Side view mirror

If the objects in this mirror are closer than they appear, than we can only imagine how much dog drool this woman is dodging for the sake of a photo! The pup looks so happy that a little drool is well worth the adorable photo.

41. Backseat barking

Now this is a road trip we can get behind! Why spend hours in a hot, stuffy car with your bickering family when you can travel cross country with this happy group of golden retrievers? Let's just hope they keep the backseat barking to a minimum.

42. Uh oh!

Now this is an "uh oh" face if we've ever seen one. Whether he just got pulled over by a cop or — gasp! — accidentally ran over a squirrel, we don't think this dog will get behind the wheel again anytime soon.

43. Stop the car!

We've all experienced the unpleasant sensation of car sickness, and this poor guy seems to have it bad. Or maybe he was just jostled awake by an unusually large speed bump? Either way, we don't blame him for looking a little, well, discombobulated.

44. Warp speed

Just how fast is this car going?! Judging by this dog's slicked-back appearance, it must be going well above the speed limit. If this dog wanted a face full of wind, dirt, and bugs, he no doubt got it!

45. He owns the road

We can only dream of being as cool, calm, and collected as this dog. With one arm lazily hanging out of the window, this guy looks like he owns the road — and he isn't even the one behind the wheel!

46. Belt turned muzzle

This dog's effort to be safe clearly got out of hand. You know things aren't great when your seatbelt suddenly becomes a muzzle! We just hope the owner pulled over to readjust this poor guy's seatbelt. Safety first!

47. Unhappy passenger

No one likes it when the guy in the backseat keeps shouting directions at the driver, but it's even worse when those directions sound like loud barking. Sorry, buddy — we all have to go to the vet once in a while. Next time, we'll go wherever you want!

48. Not his first rodeo

Look at this happy boy! This wise old dog loves nothing more than an open window and a scenic drive through the country. This clearly isn't his first car ride rodeo. For him, the smell of grass and fresh air never gets old.

49. One cool cat

Now this is one cool cat — uh, we mean, dog. There's nothing cooler than a rough-and-tumble guy wearing dark sunglasses and a cable knit sweater, especially when that guy happens to have four legs and a rather wiggly tail.

50. "Hi!"

You really thought netting would stop your dog from trying to be with you?! You clearly underestimated how much your dog loves you! This pup wasn't about to stay put in the backseat when his owner was right there in the drivers seat.

51. Pizza pup

If we had three extra-large pizzas next to us, we'd be grinning from ear to ear, too. There's no one else we'd rather deliver (or pick up) pizzas with than this happy fella! Just make sure he doesn't sneak a nibble or two while you're driving.

52. Are we there yet?

If these sleepy boys ask "Are we there yet?" one more time, you're going to lose it! Turn on some relaxing dog tunes and your pups will be snoozing away in no time... or, at least for the next fifteen minutes.

53. So long

Parting is such sweet sorrow... especially when you're saying goodbye before a long road trip! We have no idea where this pup is headed — hopefully somewhere with lots of squirrels and plenty of room to run around — but this cute hug is making us tear up.